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By Charles Kumolu, Associate Editor
The interest of the international community in the general elections of Nigeria in 2019 is not new, but the mixed reactions that lead to it raise concerns.
Historically, stable democracies are concerned about the electoral process of virtually every country in the world, without physically interfering with the affairs of the countries concerned.
This is already the case in Nigeria, where the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the European Union, the United Nations and Switzerland, among others, have expressed their views on the need for credible elections in Nigeria.
EU, France, Germany, United Kingdom, United States, Australia
Even at the beginning of the campaigns for the elections of last year, the EU, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, the United States, Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands Norway, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden have, together and individually, pleaded for free and fair elections.
Similar statements have also been made recently by some of these countries, showing that it is obvious that the world is concerned about everything that is happening in Nigeria as a result of the elections.
The United States led the pack. They sent a strong message through the intermediary of his secretary of state, Michael Pompeo.
In particular, he urged the National Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, to resist external "pressure and intimidation", saying that this exercise would be an opportunity for the country to strengthen its democratic leadership in Africa.
The world cares about Nigeria
The United States Government supports free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections that reflect the will of the people of Nigeria. It is essential that the National Independent Electoral Commission operate without outside pressure, intimidation and in a totally objective manner. The Nigerian security services must put in place a safe environment for the Nigerian people to exercise their rights. Those who take part in the electoral process or incite violence must be held responsible. The upcoming elections are an opportunity for Nigeria to consolidate its position as a democratic leader in Africa. "
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Similarly, the US ambbadador to Nigeria, Walter Symington, said in another statement: "You know, as we prepare for your elections, one of the most important elements is the establishment of level playing field. "This means that no officials, no security forces, no election officials, no politicians are trying to influence you in a manner inconsistent with Nigerian law."
Last days of the campaign
"Elections are only part of the democratic process. The words and actions that occur during the last days of the campaign, and then all government activities are as important in a democracy as the elections themselves. So that's not a word. Number one, know your rights. Number two, vote and exercise them. Third, if you work for the government or for a party, do not forget that it is your individual responsibility to act according to the laws.
The UK, for its part, has pledged to deploy more than 100 observers in 15 states, in addition to calls for a credible exercise.
Strengthen the process
British High Commissioner to Nigeria Catriona Laing, who said in an interview with Nigeria Info FM in Abuja, said: "As an independent observer country, we respect the sovereignty of Nigeria; our job is to accompany the Nigerian people in this democratic journey.
"The process is what matters to us. That is why we will deploy more than 100 observers in 15 states to support the European Union's observation missions, the United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria and other local observers. .
Regardless of the fact that such calls do not mean interference, some actors in Nigeria, especially the ruling government, the Progressive Congress, APC, seem disturbed by the changing situation.
The most poignant response came last Monday when Buhari campaign spokesman, Mr. Festus Keyamo, launched the most vicious attack perpetrated against an American government and its ambbadador since the day Sani Abacha unleashed a virulent attack on the United States and Ambbadador Symington.
Keyamo in the statement said:
"We believe that the constant statements of Ambbadador Symington and other diplomats constitute implicit attacks against the Government of Nigeria. These statements imply that the Nigerian government is inclined to rig elections in favor of President Muhammadu Buhari.
"It is unfortunate that most of these countries that are lecturing about free and fair elections have a horrible history of denying people the right to vote because of their color and continue to face many challenges with their electoral systems.
"An American ambbadador has a great responsibility in representing the most powerful economic and military power in the world. His comments have weight because of the status of his nation. This means that his comments must reflect a thorough knowledge of the subject.
"Unfortunately, Ambbadador Symington did not show the deep knowledge of the situation in Nigeria. The impression he creates in constantly trying to get the alleged interference of the government in the electoral process is that President Buhari can not win without tipping the scales. It seems to say that only a victory of the PDP will be the proof of fair elections. "
The provision that emerges from the statements of some prominent members of the PCA seems surprising given that similar efforts were made in 2015 by the international community.
Set up until 2015
In preparation for the elections that brought the APC to power, former US Secretary of State John Kerry visited the then-candidate Muhammadu Buhari and then President Goodluck Jonathan. as part of its efforts to ensure the holding of credible elections.
Kerry advised Jonathan, Buhari and others to work to ensure peaceful and peaceful elections.
His message was: "The US government firmly believes that credible, free and fair elections will be held in Nigeria next month. We mean that any Nigerian who encourages any form of violence during the elections remains ineligible for the US visa.
"The United States will continue to work with the Nigerian armed forces to stop the continuing killings of innocent Nigerians and attacks on communities." The United States strongly condemns these attacks, which have intensified in recent weeks and are spreading. gradually to neighboring countries. "
Democracy in Africa
A video message from President Barack Obama was then issued to sensitize Nigerians to the significance of elections for the nation and democracy in Africa.
In a two-minute, 33-second video, President Obama declared that the elections allowed Nigerians to "unite to reject violence and extremism and show their support for a more peaceful, secure future." and prosperous ".
Obama said, "Today, I want to speak directly to you, to the Nigerian people. Nigeria is a great nation and you can be proud of the progress you have made. Together, you have gained your independence, pulled out of military rule and strengthened democratic institutions. You have tried to overcome divisions and make Nigeria's diversity a source of strength. You have worked hard to improve the lives of your families and to build Africa's largest economy.
"You now have a historic opportunity to help write the next chapter of Nigeria's progress by voting in the next election. For elections to be credible, they must be free, just and peaceful. All Nigerians must be able to vote without intimidation or fear. "
The least that can be said is that these efforts, among others, have been decisive for the peaceful conduct of the election and the historical acceptance of the defeat. by Jonathan. President Jonathan also alleged that the United States, under President Obama, had a policy of ensuring his defeat.
However, the reactions opposed to similar efforts by the international community this time led to this fundamental question: what has changed between 2015 and 2019?
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